Laser Scientist

Vector Atomic•Pleasanton, CA

About The Position

As a PIC Laser Scientist at Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, you will connect fundamental optical physics with scalable chip-scale technology. You will develop custom laser systems end to end, from initial concepts through system-level integration, with a focus on transitioning high-precision frequency combs and ultra-low-noise systems from discrete components to photonic integrated circuit (PIC) platforms. Combining hands-on benchtop metrology with chip-level simulation, you will advance laser architectures for quantum timing, atomic clocks, and inertial sensors. Vector Atomic develops quantum technology for navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. The company describes its environment as collaborative, curious, diverse, fast-paced, and hands-on, with opportunities for team members to contribute and grow.

Requirements

At least 3 years of professional experience working with ultra-stable cavities, frequency combs, or atomic clocks.
PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, focused on atomic/optical physics, frequency metrology, or integrated photonics.
Hands-on experience measuring RIN, frequency noise, and phase noise using Phase Noise Analyzers and high-speed RF equipment.
Experience with supercontinuum generation or SHG in bulk crystals, nonlinear fibers, or integrated waveguides.
Proficiency in fiber fusion splicing (PM/specialty), fiber spooling, and high-tolerance free-space assembly.
Must meet the stated U.S. export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent resident, or belong to certain categories of refugees or asylees.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with simulation tools such as Lumerical (FDTD/MODE) or COMSOL for designing waveguides and resonators.
Deep understanding of mode-locked lasers and fceo detection and stabilization.
Practical experience with chip-level probing and edge or grating coupling, specifically for SiN, Thin-Film Lithium Niobate, or Tantala.
Strong understanding of PID control loops, high-bandwidth feedback, and low-noise frequency/power controllers.
Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for automating optical characterization and processing high-bandwidth noise data.
Experience with high-efficiency laser-to-chip integration and coupling techniques.

Responsibilities

Develop custom laser systems, from fiber-based oscillators to integrated chip-scale architectures.
Design and simulate PIC layouts for high-Q micro-resonators and dispersion-engineered nonlinear optics using materials such as SiN, TFLN, and Tantala.
Plan the migration of frequency combs and low-noise systems from discrete fiber and free-space components to PIC platforms.
Build and characterize conventional systems, including fiber spooling, MOPA configurations, and discrete nonlinear conversion stages.
Characterize frequency noise, phase noise, and Allan deviation at benchtop and chip levels.
Develop and test stabilization architectures, including PDH locking and f-2f self-referencing.
Collaborate with hardware teams to integrate laser systems into atomic clocks and quantum timing sensors.